Poison Ivy Rash
Facts to Know about Poison Ivy Rash
You may not have known it was there, but the poison ivy rash that is developing across your body is evidence that you ran across the plant’s presence somewhere. Learning more about the ailment can help you to deal with any encounters you may have with it.
The fact is that you may not have walked through a patch of poison ivy or even anywhere near it. If you have a pet or have been near anyone who has recently been walking through weedy areas, you very well could have received the dubious gift of the poison ivy rash from them.
The cause of poison ivy rash is a resin call urushiol that can create an allergic reaction in the form of a rash on anyone who is sensitive to the toxin; over half of the world population is considered to be vulnerable. Poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak are the most commonly found plants in the US that contain urushiol, although mango, gingko and cashew trees also carry the resin. Urushiol is carried through the leaves of the plants, which will transfer easily to pet fur, clothing or skin upon the slightest brush of the plant. It is normal for this toxin to stay active on any surface, even dead plants, for as long as 5 years.
The poison ivy rash itself is not contagious and scratching or rubbing the rash will not cause it to spread. However, if the urushiol oil is on your hands or clothing, the rash will continue to spread anytime the affected area touches another. Your cat or dog may have had direct contact with urushiol, and are carrying the oil on their fur, which would transfer to you every time they brush against you.
The best way to deal with a poison ivy rash is to avoid it. If you are hiking or walking through an area where the plants might be growing, wear long pants, socks and shoes to limit your exposure. Using a product like Ivy Block on any exposed areas will keep the toxin from reaching your skin and prevent getting poison ivy rash.
If you suspect you may have had contact with urushiol, immediate action is necessary to avoid poison ivy rash. Waiting even an hour to counteract the toxin may be too late. Wearing gloves, remove your clothing. Using cold water and no soap, flush the affected area of your skin thoroughly. Water will not remove the urushiol oil, but will spread it around so it does as little damage as possible. Avoid touching the area with any other part of your body. Now, using soap and water as hot as you can stand it, scrub thoroughly. Once again wearing gloves place your clothing in the washing machine and wash in hot water.
Poison ivy can lurk just about anywhere; knowing what to do when it is encountered is vital to avoid getting poison ivy rash. Remember, prevention is always the best cure.